Taking a break from the pill?

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-03-2003
Taking a break from the pill?
2
Tue, 07-13-2004 - 6:22pm
Hello everyone. I have been on the pill for about three years, on depo before that for two years. I actually really like the pill, I don't have any side effects and it helps keep my skin clear. But recently my boyfriend said something about the pill being bad for a woman if used for a long time, and that he'd rather use condoms than have me take a bunch of hormones. I kind of see his point: I have a couple of friends that are of the same opinion. I did try to 'take a break' from the pill a while ago, but went back after three months because my breakouts became just unbearable. On one hand, I am a bit worried about my reproductive health. I am in my late twenties and I am not planning to have a baby any time soon, however when I do want to have one, I want to make sure everything is still functioning, you know. At the same time, it's just so darn convenient, being on the pill.

Any expert advice?

Thanks.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Tue, 07-13-2004 - 7:29pm
Hi buggirl101, welcome!

I don't think prolonged use of the pill has been shown to be harmful to a young, healthy nonsmoker. And fertility returns quickly after stopping oral contraceptives. If your pill is working well for you and you like it, then, if it were me I'd stay on it. You might want to get you doctor's professional opinion on your question about long term health and fertility. Let us know what you decide, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2003
Wed, 07-14-2004 - 9:47am
I took the pill for 20 years(minus 2 pregnancies). I quit about a year ago and my husband has had a vasectomy since our family is complete. Unlike you, I had side effects, but nothing life threatening. I never smoked. I did have high blood pressure that was under control with medication. The benifit of unintended pregancy out-weighed the side effects. If I were you I would stay on the pill. Not having any side effects would be the "clincher" for me. But, like Jill said, talk with your dr. He/she would know whats best for you!

Josie